Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Hyperthyroidism and periodic paralysis.

D J Capobianco¹

¹Division of Neurology, Jacksonville Naval Hospital.

The Journal of the Florida Medical Association

|October 1, 1990

Summary

Periodic paralysis, a rare neuromuscular disorder, can manifest as painless weakness. This case highlights its potential to precede overt hyperthyroidism, offering insights into diagnosis and management.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

ACGME competencies in neurology: web-based objective simulated computerized clinical encounters.

Neurology·2009

Same author

Chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache through the ages.

Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache·2005

Same author

A review of intractable facial pain secondary to underlying lung neoplasms.

Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache·2003

Same author

Wilfred Harris' early description of cluster headache.

Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache·2002

Same author

Medication-induced (analgesic rebound) headache: historical aspects and initial descriptions of the North American experience.

Headache·2001

Same author

Treatment and management of cluster headache.

Current pain and headache reports·2001

Area of Science:

Neurology
Endocrinology
Genetics

Background:

Periodic paralyses encompass rare neuromuscular disorders with diverse etiologies, including familial, sporadic, hyperthyroid-associated, and potassium-loss-related forms.
Understanding the varied presentations and underlying mechanisms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of these conditions.

Observation:

A 46-year-old Filipino male presented with recurrent episodes of paroxysmal, painless, myopathic weakness (symmetric and proximal).
Neurologic examination, apart from the weakness, was otherwise normal, suggesting a specific neuromuscular dysfunction.

Findings:

The case illustrates a presentation of periodic paralysis that occurred before the onset of clinically apparent hyperthyroidism.
This temporal relationship underscores the importance of considering periodic paralysis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained weakness, even in the absence of overt endocrine abnormalities.

Implications:

This case emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in patients with periodic paralysis, including screening for underlying endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism.
Recognizing that periodic paralysis can precede clinical hyperthyroidism can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Related Experiment Videos